Gooey & Sweet: Classic Canadian Butter Tarts You’ll Love

These Classic Canadian Butter Tarts are a lighter twist on a national favorite. Featuring flaky pastry shells filled with a rich, gooey, caramel-like center, they deliver all the sweetness and nostalgia without the usual heaviness. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, these tarts make the perfect dessert for holidays, gatherings, or just a cozy treat at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Iconic Flavor: Rich, gooey filling with a crisp, buttery shell.
Lightened Up: Uses reduced-fat and lower-sugar ingredients for a more balanced dessert.
Perfectly Portioned: Individual servings make it easy to enjoy in moderation.
Crowd-Pleasing Classic: A guaranteed favorite for guests or family dinners.

Ingredients

For the Tart Shells

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or use whole wheat pastry flour for extra fiber)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup cold light butter, cubed
• 3–4 tbsp cold water

For the Gooey Filling

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar substitute (or coconut sugar)
• 1/4 cup sugar-free maple syrup or light corn syrup
• 1 tbsp light butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Optional: 2 tbsp raisins or chopped pecans

Instructions

Make the Tart Shells

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly.
• Add cold water gradually until the dough comes together.
• Roll out on a lightly floured surface and cut into circles to fit a muffin tin.
• Press each circle into a lightly greased muffin cup. Set aside.

Prepare the Filling

• In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar substitute, syrup, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
• Stir in raisins or pecans if using.

Assemble and Bake

• Spoon filling evenly into the prepared tart shells, about 2/3 full to prevent overflow.
• Bake for 18–20 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and the edges of the pastry are golden brown.
• Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then carefully remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information (Per Tart, Approximate)

Calories: 140 | Carbs: 16g | Fat: 7g | Protein: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overfill: Keep the filling just below the top edge of the shell to avoid spills.
• Use Cold Butter: Ensures a flaky, crisp crust.
• Customize the Filling: Omit raisins or use nuts for different textures and flavors.
• Cool Before Serving: This allows the filling to set properly for a gooey but stable center.

Why This Recipe Works

• Traditional Taste, Healthier Ingredients: All the buttery richness and caramelized filling with lighter ingredient choices.
• Great for Batch Baking: Easy to double or prep in advance for events.
• Perfect Texture Combo: Crispy, flaky shells with soft, gooey centers.
• Flexible Flavors: Sweet enough for dessert but not overpowering—ideal with coffee or tea.

These Classic Canadian Butter Tarts deliver the rich, gooey goodness you love in a more balanced way. With a homemade crust and a soft, sticky filling, they’re the perfect nostalgic dessert made a little lighter. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or treating yourself to a sweet bite, this recipe is a must-have in your collection.